South Korean Twitch streamers are making their final moments on the platform count, staging a bold protest against its shutdown. They’re going all out, flooding the platform with adult content to make a powerful statement before the lights go out.
In December 2023, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy shocked users by announcing the abrupt cessation of operations in South Korea. Citing “prohibitively expensive” operating costs, Clancy expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging the country’s significant contribution to the international esports community. In a heartfelt blog post, he emphasized the difficulty of the choice while expressing gratitude for the vibrant communities that flourished on Twitch in Korea.
The announcement of Twitch’s shutdown in South Korea left streamers who had invested in building their careers on the platform reeling with devastation. With a mere two months to navigate their futures, broadcasters faced the daunting choice of migrating to alternative platforms or transitioning into entirely new career paths. As the fateful date of February 27, 2024, arrived, South Korean streamers prepared to make their final stand, determined to leave a lasting impact as Twitch ceased operations in their country.
In the final 24 hours leading up to Twitch’s shutdown in South Korea, local streamers took to the platform in a bold and unconventional protest, showcasing adult content such as sexualized games and donning revealing outfits. One notable example was Twitch streamer Daeyong 2, who attracted thousands of viewers while broadcasting an adult game, leaving lasting clips on his channel for viewers to witness. Similarly, Irin-Chan made a statement by appearing on camera in a risqué outfit, sparking a mix of shock and amusement among viewers as South Korean broadcasters made their defiant stance against Twitch’s closure in their country.
As Twitch closed its doors in South Korea, netizens applauded the bold protest of local streamers, deeming it a “perfect” response to the platform’s decision. On Reddit, users questioned the efficacy of Twitch’s bans, suggesting that the streamers’ actions were a fitting way to make a statement. With Twitch now facing financial repercussions for its departure, including a hefty $300k fine for violating South Korea’s telecom law by removing VODs, the consequences of its decision are becoming increasingly apparent. As the shutdown unfolds, the platform may encounter further penalties, signalling the complexity and challenges of operating in diverse global markets.
